Should We Have  A Human Right Against Discrimination?

In this episode of UCL Uncovering Politics, we explore one of the most foundational questions in human rights theory: Is there a human right against discrimination?

While many of us instinctively view discrimination based on attributes like sexual orientation as inherently wrong, not all human rights theorists agree that this wrong is best understood as a violation of a human right. Some argue that discrimination, though harmful, doesn't necessarily fall under the scope of human rights protections.

Joining us to unpack this complex debate is Dr. Saladin Meckled-Garcia, Associate Professor in Human Rights and Political Philosophy at UCL's Department of Political Science. Dr. Meckled-Garcia presents a powerful case for why the right against discrimination should be considered a core human right — and offers a fresh philosophical grounding for why such rights matter.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Routledge Handbook of the Philosophy of Human Rights, edited by Jesse Tomalty, Kerri Woods. Chapter 21: "Is there a human right against discrimination?" Saladin Meckled-Garcia